meantime
gb/mˈintˌaɪm/ us/mˈintˌaɪm/
B1
English
~ 3700
köztes időszak, időköz, addig, időközben, közben
NOUN
B1
1
időköz
B2
Usage pattern:
in the meantime
We will have to wait for the report; in the meantime, let's prepare the presentation.
Meg kell várnunk a jelentést; addig készítsük elő a prezentációt.
Her flight was delayed, so in the meantime she read a book.
Késett a járata, ezért addig könyvet olvasott.
In the meantime, the children played outside while dinner was cooking.
Learner examples
I will cook the rice. In the meantime, you can wash the vegetables.
Megfőzöm a rizst. Addig te megmoshatod a zöldségeket.
He is fixing his bike. In the meantime, I will walk to the shop.
A biciklijét javítja. Addig elsétálok a boltba.
We must wait for the bus. In the meantime, let's sit down.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'meantime' (noun) with 'meanwhile' (adverb). 'Meantime' is often used with 'in the'.
Meaning
The period between two events
Collocations
in the meantime
|for the meantime
|during the meantime
Synonyms
interval (More formal; often used for a pause between events.)
|
gap (Can mean a time or space between things, but less formal.)
Antonyms
continuation (Implies no break or gap in time between events.)
Themes
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The time between two events.
The period of time between two particular events or points in time.
B1
2
He starts his new job in May; meantime, he's taking some courses.
Májusban kezdi az új állását; addig tanfolyamokra jár.
The repairs will be finished next week. Meantime, use the side entrance.
A javítások jövő hétre befejeződnek. Addig használják az oldalsó bejáratot.
We will get more information soon; meantime, keep working on your part.
Learner examples
I will go to school next month. Meantime, I study at home.
Jövő hónaptól iskolába járok. Addig otthon tanulok.
The shop opens at 10. Meantime, we wait here.
A bolt tízkor nyit. Addig itt várunk.
She is cooking dinner. Meantime, I set the table.
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly add 'the' before 'meantime' when using it as an adverb.
Meaning
During the time between events
Synonyms
meanwhile (Very close in meaning; more common in modern usage as an adverb.)
Themes
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening during the time between two events.
During the period of time between two events.
Grammar
Dictionary form
meantime
IPA
GB/mˈintˌaɪm/
US/mˈintˌaɪm/
Syllables & stress
mean - time (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mean)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: meantime
Word family
Expressions
for the meantime
1/fɚ ðə mˈintˌaɪm/
fixed phrase
For now until something changes
For now, until something is different.
Examples
- You can stay here for the meantime until you find an apartment.
- For the meantime, we will use this old computer until we get a new one.
in the meantime
1/ˈɪn ðə mˈintˌaɪm/
fixed phrase
During the period until something happens
While waiting for something else to happen.
Examples
- Dinner will be ready in an hour; in the meantime, let's play a game.
- The package hasn't arrived yet. In the meantime, we can check our emails.
in the meantime
6/ˈɪn ðə mˈintˌaɪm/
fixed phrase
while waiting
Use this to talk about what happens while you are waiting for the next thing.
Examples
- The doctor will see you soon. In the meantime, please wait here.
- Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes; in the meantime, you can set the table.
- The new software arrives next month. In the meantime, we will keep using the old system.
Learner examples
- The bus comes at six. In the meantime, let's get coffee.
- My laptop is being repaired, so in the meantime I am using my phone.